India Must Address Inequality to Become a Flourishing Nation, Says Tata Sons Chairman
During a speech at the Global Alumni Meet of NIT Tiruchirappalli, N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, emphasized that for India to thrive as a nation, it must tackle the pressing issue of inequality. He stated that ensuring access to essential healthcare and education while providing skill development and training for the youth is crucial.
Chandrasekaran highlighted India’s strategic position amidst global uncertainties. With significant transitions happening worldwide, India stands to benefit, provided it addresses various inequalities, especially in terms of regional economic disparities. He pointed out that the per capita income in the southern regions of India is significantly higher than that in the eastern and northern parts, urging that this disparity be corrected to foster national growth.
Beyond just economic inequality, he underscored the importance of accessible healthcare and education. Chandrasekaran stressed that access goes beyond mere infrastructure; it’s about ensuring the availability of skilled doctors and teachers. Currently, the country struggles with a geographic mismatch; most doctors reside in urban areas while a significant portion of the population lives in rural regions, leading to a disparity in healthcare access. Similarly, the nation faces a shortage of about a million teachers, affecting educational quality.
With over a million new entrants to the job market annually, Chandrasekaran voiced concerns over labor productivity, which he described as “astonishingly” low when compared with countries like the United States. The informal job sector encompasses most of the workforce, a situation he believes needs urgent reform to increase formal employment opportunities.
He suggested that addressing these issues could place India on the verge of something remarkable. The global focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence aligns with India’s potential strengths, offering a chance to play a pivotal role on the world stage.
Chandrasekaran also called for significant national investment in research to bridge the gap with leading countries like the United States and China. He noted the limited number of PhDs in India as a point of concern, advocating for more resources and support for research initiatives across disciplines such as materials and life sciences. Empowering the younger generation and instilling them with confidence, he believes, is essential to harness this unique opportunity.
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